Before this study tour, I had the impression that donating money to aid projects in Africa was like throwing money into a bottomless pit, and that rarely would the money do any real good. I have never been so happy to be so wrong. The 60 or so representatives of Cpar's farmer field schools that we met yesterday now have a warehouse stacked with bags and bags of maize, 3000 bags to be exact, enough to feed their families for the whole year, and enough to sell. No one will go hungry, even during the lean season. It was an encouraging sight, and I could really feel the sense of accomplishment and satisfaction these people had as we stood between the corn stalks under the burning sun. Farmer field schools consist of around 25 to 30 people each. They are co-operatives who experiment and learn together about methods that will help increase their yields, including the planting of maize alongside pigeon peas and mixing in other plants that return nitrogen to the soil. Many families have quadrupled their yields, and with improved storage techniques they have managed to achieve food security. A little education has changed the entire village. These are not the starving Africans you see on those terrible TV commercials, there are no vacant listless expressions here. These are strong, active, productive people.
And, it must be said, they are almost embarassingly hospitable. I think it is safe to say that none of us on the Cpar team have ever experienced a welcoming party quite like that one before. As soon as we stepped off the trucks and even before I had time to wipe the dust from my glasses we were surrounded by celebrating dancers. It was as if we were engulfed by some sort of multi-coloured African amoeba, and I found it humorous to look around and see the bewildered looks on our pale, puffing faces as we attempted to follow the Iraqw dance steps. Stand shoulder to shoulder, hold your fists chest high and pogo on the spot - two fast, one slow - to the beat of the drum. Keep doing this for a long, long time until thoroughly exhausted and grinning.
And, it must be said, they are almost embarassingly hospitable. I think it is safe to say that none of us on the Cpar team have ever experienced a welcoming party quite like that one before. As soon as we stepped off the trucks and even before I had time to wipe the dust from my glasses we were surrounded by celebrating dancers. It was as if we were engulfed by some sort of multi-coloured African amoeba, and I found it humorous to look around and see the bewildered looks on our pale, puffing faces as we attempted to follow the Iraqw dance steps. Stand shoulder to shoulder, hold your fists chest high and pogo on the spot - two fast, one slow - to the beat of the drum. Keep doing this for a long, long time until thoroughly exhausted and grinning.
1 comment:
Yeah! You got it, right on!
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